Bascule bridges - these types of bridge pivot from one
side of the river's shore. They usually have a large
counter-weight which balances the bridge, and then motors move other
weight changes which allow the bridge to open and close. Some
counter-weights are enormous, like those on the New York Central River
Rouge bridge in southwest Detroit. Some variations on this type
of bridge include Double Bascule spans, which open from both sides and
meet in the middle. Example.

Swing bridges - these types of bridges are like
bicycle tire layed on its side. They have an axle in the middle of the span which
is placed in the middle of the river. The bridge then rotates,
like a tire does on its axle (except horizontally). Like other
bridges, swing bridges are often connected to fixed spans, with the
swing portion used for the passage of freighter traffic. An
example of a swing bridge is the Delray Connecting Jefferson Avenue
Swing Bridge over the Rouge River in southwest Detroit. Example.

Lift bridges - these bridges work like an elevator,
with a horizontal mount on each side. The bridge is then lifted
up and down, similar to how an elevator works. An example of
this bridge is the Duluth, South Shore and Atlantic bridge over the
Portage River between Houghton and Hancock in Michigan's Keewenaw
Penninsula.

For more information on these and other bridges, click
below. The information is broken down into four sections. The
first section are bridges that are in current use. The second
section is for railroad bridges which are still used by railroads, but
which have the motors removed or are welded shut. The third section
are bridges which have been removed from service but
have been abandoned and no longer used for railroad use. The fourth
section is for bridges which have been removed completely. The final
section is for other interesting railroad bridges which generally are not
moveable. This section is limited to bridges of unique construction,
length or function which make them stand out as notable.

Rebuilt
steel bridge continues to be used in 2003 by the Ann Arbor RR.

Note Regarding Spoonville Bridge: Carl Bajema adds
that the bridge was built in 1871 for the Chicago & Michigan Lake
Shore Railroad, which became part of the Chicago & West Michigan
(later Pere Marquette). The C&WM ended up with two lines
between Holland and Muskegon when the C&MLS and the Michigan Lake
Shore Railroad merged. The Holland-Nunica-Fruitport line was
abandoned when all the through passenger and freight service was
shifted to the Holland-Grand Haven-Muskegon line. Nothing but
pilings was left in the Grand River in the 1890's. The
railroad's report to the Michigan Railroad Commission in 1872 says
that this was a 1-draw, wooden Howe Truss bridge which was 1,708
long. Longitude/latitude is estimated to be 43-02.440 /
86-04.929.

Note Regarding the GTW Port Huron Black River
Bridge. The Chicago, Detroit and Canada Grand Trunk
Junction Railway Co. reported in 1873 to the Michigan Commissioiner
of Railroads that this bridge was built in 1859 (one and 1/4 mile
from Port Huron) made of iron and stone. It was described at
that time as a swing bridge and was 342 feet in length. [MCR/1873]